End Of Era As Paper Mill Is Dismantled

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Local officials are describing scrapping operations at the idled Newton Falls Fine Paper Mill as "the end of the mill's historic papermaking era".

Trucks loaded with scrap metal that has been removed from inside the paper mill are a regular sight as mill owners, Scotia Investments, continue dismantling the mill's paper machines and proceed with scrapping operations.

"It's sad for the whole community. It's gonna have a terrible effect on the community in the coming years," said Mark Hall, town of Fine supervisor.

The mill's owners held an auction of the mill and its contents last March but the $2 million sale to a mystery bidder who was never identified fell through.

Local economic development officials say with the latest turn of events, it's time now to focus on how the 15 acre manufacturing can best be used.

Despite the paper mill's demise, officials say a plan to use nearly $10 million to rehabilitate a 46-mile railroad line running through St. Lawrence, Lewis and Jefferson Counties has not been scrapped and remains on track.

"You have to have that railroad if we're going to encourage any type of business into that site," said Chris Westbrook, Clifton-Fine Economic Development Group.

Officials at Scotia Investments did not return our phone calls for comment.